Julian R. Varela

Biografía

Julian R. Varela, 49, of Taos passed away on December 29, 2011. Julians time was tragically cut short because of a traffic accident. He is predeceased by his brother Conner R. Quintana. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Marci Beatty, his daughters Hannah & Mary Margaret Varela, all of Taos. He is also survived by his mother Susan Macdonell & her husband Tom of Santa Fe, his father Frank Varela of Albuquerque, his god-mother Kathryn Hamilton and god-son Ryan Varela (Heather Tausch), his brothers Dr. Charles D. Varela (Debra) and Frank Jacob Varela (Gretel Wananmacher), his sisters Roberta S. Pillado and Gabriela Lucero-Rogers (Jay), as well as a large extended family in Pecos, Santa Fe & Taos.

Julian was a graduate of NM Military Institute, achieved an undergraduate degree in Accounting at the University of Texas at Arlington, then went on to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence at the University of New Mexico Law School. He later returned to studies at the University of Denver earning a LLM in Taxation and Estate Planning. He was a member of the State Bars of New Mexico & Colorado and practiced law in Taos and Northern New Mexico for 18 years.
He was a former Probate Judge in Taos County. He was a member of Rotary International, a scholar, and he was a great humanitarian, sponsoring poverty-stricken children in foreign countries such as Thailand and Cambodia. He was proud to be a liberal Democrat. He was also the best lawyer you could hope to have represented you in court.

Julian loved the outdoors, no matter what the weather was, for hiking, running, camping or just relaxing by a river or spring. Traveling and learning about different cultures was his passion. He was a great skier and an avid rider of motorcycles. He loved all kinds of music especially Country and Western (Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard), Rock and Roll (AC-DC, Bruce Springsteen and Kid Rock), and folk (John Denver and Gordon Lightfoot), just to name a few. He loved to sing and dance, no matter what the occasion. He had the ability to get along with anyone. He loved to read and write and his writing skills were powerful. He took his job as a lawyer very seriously, but also seriously knew how to have a good time. He had a fantastic sense of humor, and his kids used to say that he had to come to their childhood parties because he would bring the fun.

Julian was a devoted husband and father. His daughters and wife were his best friends, and he had many other good friends. He taught his daughters something new everyday. He was a mentor to everyone he knew in different ways. The light of his spirit was that of one of a kind, and he was never afraid to try new things. He loved making the people around him smile. He loved his family and friends more than anything and enjoyed spending time with them. He will be greatly missed by many whose lives he touched.

There was a memorial service held at the river on January 6, 2012.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made to the Mary-Margaret and Hannah Varela College Fund at Peoples Bank.

We here at the Rio Arriba Magistrate Would like to express our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to all of Julian's family we not only feel for there loss but understand that he was a shining light helping the community in large but was a great and honorable man. We only pray that the good Lord not only console the family but give comfort to them knowing now he has returned home to his maker and creator. Tears and the pain for his loss will subside but his memory and great works will live on forever in the hearts and memories of the people he touched -
Judge Alex, Judge Joseph, Eric, Daniel, Crystal, Trinnie, Monica, Ashley, Jennifer & Mickie

My deepest sympathies go out to the family. Julian was a great person and he really did enjoy helping out all his clients to his best ability. He will be missed at the Rio Arriba Magistrate Court where he worked with us for many years. May he rest in peace.

Dear Marci, Words do not express the shock I felt upon hearing this news. I know it has been many years since Jake & I were together, but I never forgot you two and being there for your wedding in Silverton. JR was a good man and it sounds like he continued in that way throughout his life. This must be just awful for you and I wanted to say I'm so sorry and will pray for you and your whole family. He made a difference for good, something to hold onto....

Its hard to put into words all the thoughts that run through my mind; I didn't know that Julian wa so damned accomplished-what drive! He just had that energy & determination to accomplish so mush, and for that I respect & admire him so much! I am deeply saddened by his passing, much too soon, way to early. I will pray for you-his family, all of the time. And I will keep Julian in my prayers along with my other friends that I miss. God bless you all. Matthew

I am deeply shocked and sadden by the loss of your beloved husband and father. Although I did not know Julian well, he was a well-respected member of our small legal community here in Taos and I feel the loss of the contribution he made to our community and I also feel my own personal loss that he is no longer here to refer clients to or to say hello and have a friendly conversation.
Heartfelt prayers to you, the family and close friends of Julian, who have lost someone too young to leave you so unexpectedly. I understand the void that has been left that can never be filled
Lee Boothby